Penfolds Bin 128 1998

While cabernet is king in Coonawarra, its shiraz is by no means its poor cousin. And particularly not in 1998, an outstanding vintage for the Coonawarra region. Penfolds' Bin 128, entirely sourced from Coonawarra grown shiraz, and aged for 12 months in new (20%) and seasoned French oak, is in its peak drinking window now.
Still purple and bright in colour, the wine has a complex aroma of struck match, a whiff of smoke, herbs, red currants, thyme, cedar, blackcurrants, leaves, liquorice and plums. If that sounds a lot of descriptors, there was a lot going on. Unsurprisingly dry on the palate, with medium-long length, and a savoury character. Fantastic drinking and cheap at this price. 90 points (extremely good)